Boys to Men New EnglandNew England Resource: Boys to Men Mentoring Network. Boys between the ages of 12 and 17 can be matched with a male mentor. The Boys to Men experience gives young men higher self-esteem, empowered sense of self, and a greater capacity for compassion and empathy. Mentors go through a comprehensive training program, pass a background check, and agree to commit for one year. Boys are challenged and supported in new ways, and find their own integrity, courage, respect, passion, and leadership and they discover that they can access these qualities and put them to work. For more information visit www.boystomennewengland.org or call 781-789-9227. [0312]

Breastfeeding Clinic
Local resource: Are you looking for breastfeeding support? Do you have questions about latch? Are you worried that your nursling isn’t getting enough milk? Stop by the free breastfeeding clinic at Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Childbirth Center, every Monday from 12 to 1. Many new moms have found this to be great resource. One mom said “Just being in a roomful of breastfeeding babies and moms was a wonderful experience. It was great to hear other people’s stories and learn from their experiences.” For more information: www.cooley-dickinson.org [1111]

The Care CenterLocal resource: Alternative-education program for pregnant and parenting teens. The Care Center in Holyoke helps women who have dropped out of high school, but want a better life for themselves and their children. They offer GED classes, art, poetry, and writing classes, computer courses, parenting education, career exploration, athletic programs, and college transition, all in a supportive environment that encourages students to become lifelong learners. The Care Center also provides free transportation, nutritious food, on-site child care, on-site health care and personalized support counseling. For more information, visit www.carecenterholyoke.org or call 413-532-2900. [1111]

Car Seat Safety ChecksLocal Resource: Free child car-seat inspection for Amherst residents. The Amherst Police Department conducts free inspections on the third Saturday of each month, by appointment only. Certified technicians will thoroughly inspect your car seat for wear and effectiveness, and install it properly. Call 413-259-3355 or email police@amherstma.gov to schedule an appointment. For residents of other towns, visit Safe Kids of Western Massachusetts to learn about free car-seat inspections in Springfield. (111211)

Community Resources for People with AutismLocal resource. Despite rather dry-sounding name, they have tons of referrals for medical practices, support groups, conferences, fund-raising and more. 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 366 Easthampton, MA 413-529-2428 nfo@commmunityresourcesforautism.org

Families Together ProgramLocal resource. Free parenting workshops and individual consultation provide families with information on child development, communication, health and safety issues (such as family CPR and first aid).

Food Bank of Western MassachusettsLocal resource. The mission of The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is to work with our community to reduce hunger and increase food security.

Friends of ChildrenLocal Resource: Friends of Children, Inc. advocates to protect the basic human rights of all children to have a safe, consistent and nurturing environment in which to develop their full potential. Programs include court-appointed special advocates, mentoring to children who age out of the child-welfare system, foster transition support, assistance and guidance to parents in their role of advocate for their children, and community education. For more information, visit www.friendsofchildreninc.org or call 413-586-0011. [0312]

The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and TeensLocal resource. Do you know a kid who is grieving the loss of a loved one? The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens welcomes families grieving the death of someone close. Families with children ages 5-18 are invited to join this free support group on Sunday afternoons. Children participate in small groups where they make projects, play games and other activities planned to support their grieving process, while their adult caregivers are part of a support group too. All groups are held at the Hampshire Regional YMCA in Northampton. For more information, visit www.garden-cgc.org, or contact Shelley Bathe Lenn at shelly.lenn@hrymca.org or 413-584-7086. [1111]

Gateway School Safety Hotline
Local resource. As part of Gateway’s School Safety Plan, the school safety hotline (413-685-1050) will remain in place for the coming school year. Monitored by the district’s Security Monitor, the hotline is a voice mailbox that can be used to report harassment, drug or alcohol concerns, vandalism, and school safety issues. The purpose of the hotline is to help keep Gateway schools in Huntington, MA, safe for all students.

Grace’s Place Local Resource. Grace’s Place is a new resource for adaptive equipment for children with physical disabilities in Franklin and Hampshire County. They accept donations of good used equipment and adapted toys and offer them for free to families in need. Contact: Donna Walden, Director in Greenfield by calling 413-522-1750.

Green River Doula NetworkLocal resource. The Green River Doula Network is an association of independent birth doulas, postpartum doulas, and related care providers who work with families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They serve the Pioneer Valley, as well as eastern Berkshire County, and parts of VT, NH, and CT. Their mission is to provide doula support to women, including those who may not be able to afford a doula. During pregnancy, doulas provide prenatal advice and support. During childbirth, doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support. During the postpartum period, doulas help with household tasks and connect the family with support resources. Visit their website to learn more, and to search for a doula near you www.greenriverdoulas.org [0112]

Healthy Communities Access Program (HCAP)
Local Resource. The purpose of HCAP is to assist Hilltown residents who are uninsured, underinsured or unable to access health care. Their Mobile Outreach Treatment Team can help to enroll them in programs from their home, assist participants with transportation, referrals for other services, completion of health care proxies and other forms as appropriate, and coordinate other services. The Nurse Practitioner Meg Breymann, NP, will also provide screenings, assessments and primary direct health care and health education services. Eligibility: All residents of the 11 Hilltowns served by HCHC (Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Plainfield, Russell, and Worthington). Residents of surrounding towns in central and southern Berkshire county may also be eligible. Please call for more information. All services are free to eligible participants. 413-238-4103.

Health FamiliesLocal Resource: Support for young parents. Healthy Families is a free home-visiting support program for first- time parents, age 20 and under. Home Visitors provide parenting support at participant homes, as well as in groups with other first time pregnant and parenting teens. Activities are geared toward young parents’ interests, whether it be support groups on relationships or making special journals about their child’s first years of life. All services are voluntary and confidential. Spanish speaking home visitors are available. For more information, visit www.communityaction.us or Franklin County residents can call 413-475-1545 or 978-544-5423, and Hampshire County residents can call 413-387-1270. [0312]

Hilltown BabyLocal resource. Hilltown Baby offers free childbirth education classes in various Hilltown locations, breastfeeding education and support, and parent infant groups. When families’ due dates or location do not fit scheduled classes, they offer private sessions or home visits.

Hilltown Community Health Centers Hilltown resource. Hilltown Community Health Center’s mission is to provide high quality, accessible medical, dental, counseling and behavioral health care, and related services to people in the Western Massachusetts Hilltowns and surrounding areas. Center’s are located in Huntington and Worthington, MA.

Hilltown PantryLocal resource. The Hilltown Pantry is a satellite program of the Northampton Survival Center serving residents of Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Haydenville, Plainfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg and Worthington. Once a month recipients may select a supply of groceries which includes canned goods, frozen meats, fresh produce, dairy and bakery products, and household and personal care products. USDA foods, fresh produce and bread are available weekly. Bring proof of residency and you will receive groceries the same day. Located at the Goshen Town Office Building (Route 9). HOR are Wed 1-3pm, and 3rd Wed from 1-6pm. DONATIONS GREATLY APPRECIATED. 413-268-7578

Hotline – Area Safety HotlineHilltown resource. A confidential Safety Hotline in place, for Gateway students and Huntington & surrounding community members to share their concerns. Just call 685-1050 and leave a message.

It Takes a VillageHilltown Resource: It Takes a Village is a free-of-charge, community service that supports families in Western Massachusetts for the first three months after a baby is born. A family is matched with a volunteer who visits the family home on a weekly basis, providing support for anything from meal preparation and dishwashing, to companionship and playing with older children. The Village is modeled after ‘Many Mothers’ in Santa Fe. They are based in the Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts and dedicate their service to the memory of Heather Egan, who gave her own life bringing a new one into the world. info@itavillage.info 413-634-5431

Massachusetts Public Flu Clinic FinderLocal resource. Families choosing to vaccinate for the flu can find a flu clinic in Massachusetts here. Enter your zipcode and find a local clinic. Powered by the Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition.

The Mothers’ Milk Bank of New EnglandNew England resource. A non-profit community milk bank whose mission is to provide donor human milk to newborns in need by: collecting, pasteurizing and dispensing donor human milk; educating the medical and general communities about indications for, benefits and use of donor human milk; and contributing to furthering our knowledge of donor human milk through research.

New England Learning Center for Women in TransitionLocal Resource: A wonderful Valley resource for women and children: The New England Learning Center for Women in Transition offers counseling, safe homes, advocacy, and education to women and children who have survived domestic violence or sexual abuse. All services are free and confidential. They offer advocacy for women, men, and children; for able-bodied and disabled individuals; for straight, lesbian, gay, bi, and trans people; and for speakers of other languages. Free and confidential hotline offering support and resources regarding sexual assult and domestic violence: 413-772-0806 or 1-888-249-0806. For more information: www.nelcwit.org (111211)

Northampton Survival CenterLocal resource. The Northampton Survival Center is an emergency food pantry which provides low-income individuals and families in 16 communities in Hampshire County with free food, clothing, household goods, and referrals for emergency assistance. From its main location in Northampton, the Center distributes about 2,000 pounds of food in nutritionally-balanced food boxes every weekday.

Nuturing Your ChildLocal resource. Workshops for parents of infants and toddlers cover topics such as infant massage, baby sign language, setting limits and positive discipline, coping with tough moments and more. In addition to learning new parenting tips, parents enjoy meting other Hilltown families with babies and young toddlers.

Parents Together
A free support group for parents with children five and under. Parents enjoy food and coffee while kids are in a free playgroup. Discussion topics include keeping ourselves and our children healthy, reducing financial stress, encouraging children to be creative learners, and more. This group supports parents who learn best in non-traditional ways – play games, do crafts, learn fun ways to reduce stress, and go on field trips. Thursdays in Amherst, Feb 25 – Jun 3, 9:30 – 11:00 am, Amherst Family Center, 121 N. Pleasant St. Mondays in Northampton, Mar 22 – May 17, 10 – 11:30 am, Northampton Headstart, 56 Vernon St. To register for this free group, contact Kris Larson at 413-834-3344 or larsonk.unitedarc@gmail.com [0112]

The Pegasus House in Lawrence, MA, is now accepting referrals for young women ages 16 to 19 who are experiencing health, emotional, family, developmental, or social dysfunction as a result of alcohol or drug use. Pegasus is a highly structured short-term substance abuse treatment service for medically stable young women. The program offers developmentally appropriate individual, group and family clinical services. Length of stay can be up to 90 days, and is based on the individual’s treatment needs. To make a referral or learn more, call 617-661-3991 or 866-705-2807. (112211)

The People’s CenterLocal Resource – The People’s Center is a free clothing store serving the homeless, working poor, and victims of disasters in the local area. To make clothing donations: Call 739-0229 to arrange to drop off clothing or have it picked up. Organizations are encouraged to call this number if they would like to organize a clothing drive for The People’s Center. The People’s Center is operated by The Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross and funded by the Community United Way of Pioneer Valley and is located at 2 Chestnut Street in Springfield, MA. They are open Monday-Friday 10am-2pm. For more info call 413-739-0229.

Preschool Enrichment Team (P.E.T.)Local Resource – The Preschool Enrichment Team (P.E.T), a non-profit resource, referral, and training agency, offers information to families, early childhood educators , and employers on: Massachusetts child care: infant and toddler care, preschool education, after school programs, subsidized care, children with special needs, summer camps, asthma, lead poisoning prevention, and more. Since 1976, P.E.T. has been here for the Western Massachusetts community. While they serve Hampden and Southern Hampshire Counties, they hope their web site can be a resource for all. Contact their Springfield, MA office at 413-736-3900 or toll free at 877-478-7727 for personal assistance if you are: a family needing solutions to child care or preschool dilemmas; an early childhood educator seeking information about professional development; or an employer thinking about family-friendly opportunities for your company. – For Massachusetts child care resource and referral programs outside of the area, please visit www.qualitychildcare.org. Outside of Massachusetts, visit www.childcareaware.org.

Railroad Street Youth Project Local resource. South Berkshire county organization aims to support young people by creating youth-generated activities that promote self-worth, responsibility, and intergenerational respect and communication. Railroad Street Youth Project serves South Berkshire county residents ages 14 to 25 years with mentoring and apprenticeship programs, innovative and youth-inspired projects and trips, teen pregnancy prevention initiatives, and a drop-in center with referrals for housing, employment, and education, counseling, mediation and advocacy. RSYP’s drop-in center (60 Bridge Street in Great Barrington) is open 3-7pm every afternoon as a place where youth meet, develop ideas, make artwork, find a staff person to talk to, and just hang out. Visit rsv.org to learn more. (1211)

radKIDSMA resource. National leader in children’s safety based in South Dennis, MA.

Reach Out and Read ProgramLocal resource. Offered by the Hilltown Community Health Centers, this national pediatric literacy initiative provides a new book to every patient under age 6 years of age at each well-child visit. Our doctors give each child a new developmentally appropriate book and speak with parents about the benefits of reading aloud to their children. Over the course of their development children receive 10 new books for their home library.

SPED Child and TeenMA resource. Great resource for families with children who have disabilities. SPED Child and Teen was created by a mom of has a child with Aspergers, to bring together in one place all of the upcoming events and opportunities in the region. Find out about camps, workshops, links to local resources, parent support, mental-health resources, financial and legal help, and more. (0212)

ON-LINE RESOURCES

Adolescent HealthOn-line resource. Fact sheets, data, and other material about adolescent health topics such as injuries, alcohol and drug use, sexual behaviors, nutrition and obesity, skin cancer, and youth violence. Includes background on the National Initiative to Improve Adolescent Health by the Year 2010, and links to related websites. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [LII]

Attachment Parenting
The mission of Attachment Parenting International (API) is to promote parenting practices that create strong, healthy emotional bonds between children and their parents. We believe these practices nurture and fulfill a child’s need for trust, empathy, and affection, providing a lifelong foundation for healthy, enduring relationships. Through education, support, advocacy and research, API seeks to strengthen families and increase awareness of the importance of secure attachment, ultimately helping to reduce or prevent child abuse, behavioral disorders, criminal acts and other serious social problems.

AMA: Adolescent HealthOn-line resource. Fact sheets, publications, and other resources about health concerns affecting adolescents. Topics include injury prevention, violence and bullying, nutrition and physical fitness, mental health, and teen pregnancy. Newsletter articles are only available to members, but the other publications and resources are available for free download. Includes links to related websites. From the American Medical Association (AMA). [LII]

AllergyKids On-line resource. AllergyKids is the first independently funded food allergy organization in the United States. The goal of AllergyKids is to give parents the tools to protect their children with food allergies. Not only do we want to make it easy to identify a child with life threatening food allergies through our universal symbol for food allergies, but we also want to provide comprehensive independent research so that you can make the best choices for your family.

Anxiety & OCD Resources
Recommended on-line resources and book titles for parents with children with anxiety and OCD

Twins LawOn-line resource. Home to The National Parental Movement seeking State to State Legislation mandating Flexible Placement Policies for multiple birth children within the classroom. Offers research, articles and links to assist in the making of appropriate placement decisions for multiple birth children.

Vaccine ScheduleOn-line resource. You can use this on-line form to create a vaccine schedule for your child that follows the 2004 Guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric.

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Empty Arms Bereavement Support is a local non-profit that seeks to create a community of bereaved parents through support groups and person-to-person contact. Below are our four monthly meetings now offered.

Empty Arms Bereavement Meeting: For all those grieving the loss of a baby at any time during pregnancy, at birth, or after birth. Empty Arms meets on the 4th Wednesdays from 7-9 PM at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St, Northampton, in Conference Room D. Between meeting support ALWAYS available by telephone or email. Please contact Carol McMurrich, director, at carolmcmurrich@comcast.net for more information.

Empty Arms Subsequent Choices Meeting: A group for families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss and are now anticipating the arrival of another baby through pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy. Meets on the 2nd Monday of the month– please contact director Carol McMurrich at carolmcmurrich@comcast.net for time and location of meeting.

Miscarriage Support Group– an Empty Arms support group for women and their partners who have experienced the loss of a baby by miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Please join us. 2nd Wednesdays from 7-9 PM at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St, Northampton in Conference Room D. Please contact facilitator Kelly Coffey at strongcoffey@gmail.com for more information.

Parenting After Loss– an Empty Arms Support Group for those who are grieving the loss of a baby while simultaneously caring for living children. This group meets on the second Sunday in the morning. Please contact facilitator Erika Parker at ehenyey@gmail.com for location, time, and further information.

Binda Colebrook said,

Your baby has arrived!
Is it not what you expected?
The Children’s Clinic now offers
One on One postpartum emotional complications supports
to mothers and their families at:
The Children’s Clinic
17 Brewster Court in Northampton
call Binda at
413 587 3265 ext 511

http://www.massresources.org
An online resource for MA residents in need of basic services. Find out what programs are available, who is eligible, which benefits you can get, and how to apply in Massachusetts.

Margaret Betts said,

Motherwoman:
Fridays, 10am-12pm Community Action Family Center, 90 Federal St. Greenfield
Join mothers for a free, safe, confidential drop-in group for all mothers
Feel heard, valued, understood, nurtured and energized. Free childcare up to four years old. Runs year-round except during December, February, and April school vacation weeks. Call for transporation support. Contact Pam Baldwin at 413-774-1000 x2015 or Sandy Clark at 413-475-1566.

Allan G. Johnson will read from his new novel, The First Thing and the Last, and tell the story of what it took to overcome the publishing industry’s resistance to bringing into print this inspiring story of healing and redemption in the aftermath of domestic violence.

Allan G. Johnson is a nationally recognized writer and public speaker who has focused on issues of social inequality since receiving his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Michigan in 1972. He first became involved in the issue of men’s violence against women in 1977 as a volunteer at the Rape Crisis Service in Hartford, Connecticut. He has authored research on sexual violence, testified before legislative committees, consulted with the National Center for the Prevention of Rape and the Connecticut Commissioner of Public Health, and served on the board of the Connecticut Coalition against Domestic Violence. During thirty years of college teaching, he regularly taught courses on gender, race, and social class. His nonfiction books have been translated into several languages and excerpted in numerous anthologies (for more on his work, visit his website at http://www.agjohnson.us). The First Thing and the Last is his first novel. He is married to Nora L. Jamieson, a writer, healer, and gatherer of women. They live in the hills of northwestern Connecticut.

The Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy advocates statewide and mobilizes communities to prevent teen pregnancy, to increase opportunities for youth and young parents and to empower young people to make healthy decisions about relationships, sex, parenting and live. http://www.massteenpregnancy.org/

Jacqueline Lee Jones said,

Jacqueline Lee Jones, MS, IBCLC, RLC
Nutrition and Lactation Services for Women, Infants and Children in Western MA.
Office and Home Visits are available.
(413) 539-0094http://www.jacquelineleejones.com

PSI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing, and that all women and families have access to information, social support, and informed professional care to deal with mental health issues related to childbearing. – PSI of MA is a volunteer organization of providers, survivors and other concerned individuals dedicated to the mission of the non-profit organization, Postpartum Support International.

Healthy Families is a statewide home visiting program for first-time mothers and fathers under the age of 21. They work with families beginning in pregnancy until their first baby turns three years old. They offer a range of services including home visiting, support groups, and help with resumes and job applications. They provide transportation to important appointments for parents and their infants/toddlers, parenting education information, referrals for community resources, general case management, and a non-judgmental listening ear. They work with both mothers and fathers, even if they are not living with their child. Be the best parent you can be, join Healthy Families today! Call 413-584-5690 x130, or email edlugosz@gcfcma.org.

Feel more comfortable during your pregnancy. Practice positions and breathing for labor to prepare mentally and physically for childbirth. Relieve common symptoms such as back pain, shortness of breath, swelling, indigestion, and high blood pressure. Learn exercises to create a calm environment for baby to grow. Connect with other mothers and feel supported during pregnancy.

Cost: $65 for 6 classes; or $13 per single class. Pre-registration is required: 582-2736, press “3” for Yoga

Momma and Baby Yoga (Start after 7 weeks postpartum)

Get back in shape through healthy movement that stretch and tone the new mother’s body gently. Connect with other mothers. Relieve aches and pains due to nursing and poor posture. Reduce stress through breathing and awareness. Recondition your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Whether baby is feeding in your arms or lying on you or next to you, your baby is included in the fun.

Momma and Baby Yoga classes are offered weekly as long as there are enough families pre-registered to attend

Book recommended by Dr. Plimpton of Amherst, MA
OCD BOOKS:
Freeing Your Child From Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by T. Chanksy
What to do when your child has OCD by A. Wagner
Talking Back to OCD by March & Benton
ANXIETY BOOKS:
The Anxiety Cure for Kids: A Guide for Parents by Spencer & Dupont
Freeing Your Child From Anxiety by T. Chanksy
FOR KIDS
You’ve Got Dragons by Cave and Maland
What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck by D. Huebner
Mr. Worry by H. Niner
The Secret Problem by C. Wever
Blink, Blink, Clop, Clop by Moritz and Jablonsky
Up and Down the Worry Hill by Wagner
FOR ADULTS
Freedom from OCD by J. Grayson

From the Whole Children website:
“Movement, art, recreation and music programs for infants, children and teens of all abilities.
Small Group Classes
Social Skills Programs
Soccer Recreation Program
School Vacation and Summer Programs
Homeschool Programs”

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Welcome!

Welcome to Hilltown Families, an online grassroots communication network for families living throughout the four counties of western Massachusetts. Hilltown Families believes in creating resilient and sustainable communities by developing and strengthening a sense of place in our children and citizens through community based education and engagement. We work to accomplish this by highlighting the embedded learning that is found everywhere in our communities, making the information accessible to families, and giving parents/educators access to opportunities that supports their children’s interests and education while encouraging community engagement.

Hilltown Families was founded in 2005 by Sienna Wildfield and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

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Information provided on Hilltown Families (HTF) is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Reasonable efforts are made to provide the most accurate information, but no guarantees of any kind can be made. Information can be changed without prior notice. Please check with 3rd parties to confirm all listings for date/time, cost, location and age appropriateness before attending. Opinions expressed on HTF are that of the writer and not necessarily that of HTF. In no event shall HTF be liable (directly or indirectly) for any losses or damages causes (or allegedly caused) in connection with HTF. All health and wellness related information is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used to substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. All provided links are provided as a courtesy and not as an endorsement.